Interactive Effects of C02 and UV-B Radiation on Terrestrial Ecosystems

Zhao et al. (2004)[1] report that “as a result of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV-B radiation (280-320 nm) levels are still high at the Earth’s surface and are projected to increase in the near future (Madronich et al., 1998; McKenzie et al., 2003),” and in reference to this potential development, they note that “increased levels of UV-B radiation are known to affect plant growth, development and physiological processes (Dai et al., 1992; Nouges et al., 1999),” stating that high UV-B levels often result in “inhibition of photosynthesis, degradation of protein and DNA, and increased oxidative stress (Jordan et al., 1992; Stapleton, 1992).” In light of these observations, therefore, it is only natural to wonder how the ongoing rise in the air’s CO2 content might impact the deleterious effects of UV-B radiation on Earth’s vegetation.